Structural, Biochemical, and Functional Characterization of the Cyclic Nucleotide Binding Homology Domain from the Mouse EAG1 Potassium Channel

KCNH channels are voltage-gated potassium channels with important physiological functions. In these channels, a C-terminal cytoplasmic region, known as the cyclic nucleotide binding homology (CNB-homology) domain displays strong sequence similarity to cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB) domains. However, the isolated domain does not bind cyclic nucleotides. Here, we report the X-ray structure of the CNB-homology domain from the mouse EAG1 channel. Through comparison with the recently determined structure of the CNB-homology domain from the zebrafish ELK (eag-like K(+)) channel and the CNB domains from the MlotiK1 and HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) potassium channels, we establish the structural features of CNB-homology domains that explain the low affinity for cyclic nucleotides. Our structure establishes that the "self-liganded" conformation, where two residues of the C-terminus of the domain are bound in an equivalent position to cyclic nucleotides in CNB domains, is a conserved feature of CNB-homology domains. Importantly, we provide biochemical evidence that suggests that there is also an unliganded conformation where the C-terminus of the domain peels away from its bound position. A functional characterization of this unliganded conformation reveals a role of the CNB-homology domain in channel gating.     

Cyclic nucleotide selectivity of protein kinase G isozymes

The intrinsic activity of the C‐terminal catalytic (C) domain of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐dependent protein kinases (PKG) is inhibited by interactions with the N‐terminal regulatory (R) domain. Selective binding of cGMP to cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB) domains within the R‐domain disrupts the inhibitory R–C interaction, leading to the release and activation of the C‐domain. Affinity measurements of mammalian and plasmodium PKG CNB domains reveal different degrees of cyclic nucleotide affinity and selectivity; the CNB domains adjacent to the C‐domain are more cGMP selective and therefore critical for cGMP‐dependent activation. Crystal structures of isolated CNB domains in the presence and absence of cyclic nucleotides reveal isozyme‐specific contacts that explain cyclic nucleotide selectivity and conformational changes that accompany CNB. Crystal structures of tandem CNB domains identify two types of CNB‐mediated dimeric contacts that indicate cGMP‐driven reorganization of domain–domain interfaces that include large conformational changes. Here, we review the available structural and functional information of PKG CNB domains that further advance our understanding of cGMP mediated regulation and activation of PKG isozymes.     

Structural Basis of Cyclic Nucleotide Selectivity in cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase II

Membrane-bound cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) II is a key regulator of bone growth, renin secretion, and memory formation. Despite its crucial physiological roles, little is known about its cyclic nucleotide selectivity mechanism due to a lack of structural information. Here, we find that the C-terminal cyclic nucleotide binding (CNB-B) domain of PKG II binds cGMP with higher affinity and selectivity when compared with its N-terminal CNB (CNB-A) domain. To understand the structural basis of cGMP selectivity, we solved co-crystal structures of the CNB domains with cyclic nucleotides. Our structures combined with mutagenesis demonstrate that the guanine-specific contacts at Asp-412 and Arg-415 of the αC-helix of CNB-B are crucial for cGMP selectivity and activation of PKG II. Structural comparison with the cGMP selective CNB domains of human PKG I and Plasmodium falciparum PKG (PfPKG) shows different contacts with the guanine moiety, revealing a unique cGMP selectivity mechanism for PKG II.     

Structure and Function of the FeoB G-Domain from Methanococcus jannaschii

FeoB in bacteria and archaea is involved in the uptake of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), an important cofactor in biological electron transfer and catalysis. Unlike any other known prokaryotic membrane protein, FeoB contains a GTP-binding domain at its N-terminus. We determined high-resolution X-ray structures of the FeoB G-domain from Methanococcus jannaschii with and without bound GDP or Mg²⁺-GppNHp. The G-domain forms the same dimer in all three structures, with the nucleotide-binding pockets at the dimer interface, as in the ATP-binding domain of ABC transporters. The G-domain follows the typical fold of nucleotide-binding proteins, with a β-strand inserted in switch I that becomes partially disordered upon GTP binding. Switch II does not contact the nucleotide directly and does not change its conformation in response to the bound nucleotide. Release of the nucleotide causes a rearrangement of loop L6, which we identified as the G5 region of FeoB. Together with the C-terminal helix, this loop may transmit the information about the nucleotide-bound state from the G-domain to the transmembrane region of FeoB.     

Crystal Structure of Human RNA Helicase A (DHX9): Structural Basis for Unselective Nucleotide Base Binding in a DEAD-Box Variant Protein

RNA helicases of the DExD/H-box superfamily are critically involved in all RNA-related processes. No crystal structures of human DExH-box domains had been determined previously, and their structures were difficult to predict owing to the low level of homology among DExH-motif-containing proteins from diverse species. Here we present the crystal structures of the conserved domain 1 of the DEIH-motif-containing helicase DHX9 and of the DEAD-box helicase DDX20. Both contain a RecA-like core, but DHX9 differs from DEAD-box proteins in the arrangement of secondary structural elements and is more similar to viral helicases such as NS3. The N-terminus of the DHX9 core contains two long α-helices that reside on the surface of the core without contributing to nucleotide binding. The RNA-polymerase-II-interacting minimal transactivation domain sequence forms an extended loop structure that resides in a hydrophobic groove on the surface of the DEIH domain. DHX9 lacks base-selective contacts and forms an unspecific but important stacking interaction with the base of the bound nucleotide, and our biochemical analysis confirms that the protein can hydrolyze ATP, guanosine 5′-triphosphate, cytidine 5′-triphosphate, and uridine 5′-triphosphate. Together, these findings allow the localization of functional motifs within the three-dimensional structure of a human DEIH helicase and show how these enzymes can bind nucleotide with high affinity in the absence of a Q-motif.     

The cAMP Receptor-Like Protein CLP Is a Novel c-di-GMP Receptor Linking Cell-Cell Signaling to Virulence Gene Expression in Xanthomonas campestris

Cyclic-di-GMP [bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic diguanosine monophosphate] controls a wide range of functions in eubacteria, yet little is known about the underlying regulatory mechanisms. In the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris, expression of a subset of virulence genes is regulated by c-di-GMP and also by the CAP (catabolite activation protein)-like protein XcCLP, a global regulator in the CRP/FNR superfamily. Here, we report structural and functional insights into the interplay between XcCLP and c-di-GMP in regulation of gene expression. XcCLP bound target promoter DNA with submicromolar affinity in the absence of any ligand. This DNA-binding capability was abrogated by c-di-GMP, which bound to XcCLP with micromolar affinity. The crystal structure of XcCLP showed that the protein adopted an intrinsically active conformation for DNA binding. Alteration of residues of XcCLP implicated in c-di-GMP binding through modeling studies caused a substantial reduction in binding affinity for the nucleotide and rendered DNA binding by these variant proteins insensitive to inhibition by c-di-GMP. Together, these findings reveal the structural mechanism behind a novel class of c-di-GMP effector proteins in the CRP/FNR superfamily and indicate that XcCLP regulates bacterial virulence gene expression in a manner negatively controlled by the c-di-GMP concentrations.     

Characterisation of the Nucleotide Exchange Factor ITSN1L: Evidence for a Kinetic Discrimination of GEF-Stimulated Nucleotide Release from Cdc42

Cdc42, a member of the Ras superfamily of small guanine nucleotide binding proteins, plays an important role in regulating the actin cytoskeleton, intracellular trafficking, and cell polarity. Its activation is controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which stimulate the dissociation of bound guanosine-5′-diphosphate (GDP) to allow guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) binding. Here, we investigate the exchange factor activity of the Dbl-homology domain containing constructs of the adaptor protein Intersectin1L (ITSN1L), which is a specific GEF for Cdc42. A detailed kinetic characterisation comparing ITSN1L-mediated nucleotide exchange on Cdc42 in its GTP- versus GDP-bound state reveals a kinetic discrimination for GEF-stimulated dissociation of GTP: The maximum acceleration of the intrinsic mGDP [2′/3′-O-(N-methyl-anthraniloyl)-GDP] release from Cdc42 by ITSN1L is accelerated at least 68,000-fold, whereas the exchange of mGTP [2′/3′-O-(N-methyl-anthraniloyl)-GTP] is stimulated only up to 6000-fold at the same GEF concentration. The selectivity in nucleotide exchange kinetics for GDP over GTP is even more pronounced when a Cdc42 mutant, F28L, is used, which is characterised by fast intrinsic dissociation of nucleotides. We furthermore show that both GTP and Mg²⁺ ions are required for the interaction with effectors. We suggest a novel model for selective nucleotide exchange residing on a conformational change of Cdc42 upon binding of GTP, which enables effector binding to the Cdc42 · GTP complex but, at the same time, excludes efficient modulation by the GEF. The higher exchange activity of ITSN1L towards the GDP-bound conformation of Cdc42 could represent an evolutionary adaptation of this GEF that ensures nucleotide exchange towards the formation of the signalling-active GTP-bound form of Cdc42 and avoids dissociation of the active complex.     

Structural insight into the mechanism of substrate specificity and catalytic activity of an HD-domain phosphohydrolase: the 5'-deoxyribonucleotidase YfbR from Escherichia coli

HD-domain phosphohydrolases have nucleotidase and phosphodiesterase activities and play important roles in the metabolism of nucleotides and in signaling. We present three 2.1-Å-resolution crystal structures (one in the free state and two complexed with natural substrates) of an HD-domain phosphohydrolase, the Escherichia coli 5′-nucleotidase YfbR. The free-state structure of YfbR contains a large cavity accommodating the metal-coordinating HD motif (H33, H68, D69, and D137) and other conserved residues (R18, E72, and D77). Alanine scanning mutagenesis confirms that these residues are important for activity. Two structures of the catalytically inactive mutant E72A complexed with Co²⁺ and either thymidine-5′-monophosphate or 2′-deoxyriboadenosine-5′-monophosphate disclose the novel binding mode of deoxyribonucleotides in the active site. Residue R18 stabilizes the phosphate on the Co²⁺, and residue D77 forms a strong hydrogen bond critical for binding the ribose. The indole side chain of W19 is located close to the 2′-carbon atom of the deoxyribose moiety and is proposed to act as the selectivity switch for deoxyribonucleotide, which is supported by comparison to YfdR, another 5′-nucleotidase in E. coli. The nucleotide bases of both deoxyriboadenosine-5′-monophosphate and thymidine-5′-monophosphate make no specific hydrogen bonds with the protein, explaining the lack of nucleotide base selectivity. The YfbR E72A substrate complex structures also suggest a plausible single-step nucleophilic substitution mechanism. This is the first proposed molecular mechanism for an HD-domain phosphohydrolase based directly on substrate-bound crystal structures.     

Nucleotidyl cyclase activity of soluble guanylyl cyclase in intact cells

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is activated by nitric oxide (NO) and generates the second messenger cyclic GMP (cGMP). Recently, purified sGC α₁β₁ has been shown to additionally generate the cyclic pyrimidine nucleotides cCMP and cUMP. However, since cyclic pyrimidine nucleotide formation occurred only the presence of Mn²⁺ but not Mg²⁺, the physiological relevance of these in vitro findings remained unclear. Therefore, we studied cyclic nucleotide formation in intact cells. We observed NO-dependent cCMP- and cUMP formation in intact HEK293 cells overexpressing sGC α₁β₁ and in RFL-6 rat fibroblasts endogenously expressing sGC, using HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry. The identity of cCMP and cUMP was unambiguously confirmed by HPLC–time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Our data indicate that cCMP and cUMP play second messenger roles and that Mn²⁺ is a physiological sGC cofactor.     

The Ligand-Free State of the TPP Riboswitch: A Partially Folded RNA Structure

Riboswitches are elements of mRNA that regulate gene expression by undergoing structural changes upon binding of small ligands. Although the structures of several riboswitches have been solved with their ligands bound, the ligand-free states of only a few riboswitches have been characterized. The ligand-free state is as important for the functionality of the riboswitch as the ligand-bound form, but the ligand-free state is often a partially folded structure of the RNA, with conformational heterogeneity that makes it particularly challenging to study. Here, we present models of the ligand-free state of a thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch that are derived from a combination of complementary experimental and computational modeling approaches. We obtain a global picture of the molecule using small-angle X-ray scattering data and use an RNA structure modeling software, MC-Sym, to fit local structural details to these data on an atomic scale. We have used two different approaches to obtaining these models. Our first approach develops a model of the RNA from the structures of its constituent junction fragments in isolation. The second approach treats the RNA as a single entity, without bias from the structure of its individual constituents. We find that both approaches give similar models for the ligand-free form, but the ligand-bound models differ for the two approaches, and only the models from the second approach agree with the ligand-bound structure known previously from X-ray crystallography. Our models provide a picture of the conformational changes that may occur in the riboswitch upon binding of its ligand. Our results also demonstrate the power of combining experimental small-angle X-ray scattering data with theoretical structure prediction tools in the determination of RNA structures beyond riboswitches.     

Structure of the SthK Carboxy-Terminal Region Reveals a Gating Mechanism for Cyclic Nucleotide-Modulated Ion Channels

Cyclic nucleotide-sensitive ion channels are molecular pores that open in response to cAMP or cGMP, which are universal second messengers. Binding of a cyclic nucleotide to the carboxyterminal cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) of these channels is thought to cause a conformational change that promotes channel opening. The C-linker domain, which connects the channel pore to this CNBD, plays an important role in coupling ligand binding to channel opening. Current structural insight into this mechanism mainly derives from X-ray crystal structures of the C-linker/CNBD from hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels. However, these structures reveal little to no conformational changes upon comparison of the ligand-bound and unbound form. In this study, we take advantage of a recently identified prokaryote ion channel, SthK, which has functional properties that strongly resemble cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels and is activated by cAMP, but not by cGMP. We determined X-ray crystal structures of the C-linker/CNBD of SthK in the presence of cAMP or cGMP. We observe that the structure in complex with cGMP, which is an antagonist, is similar to previously determined HCN channel structures. In contrast, the structure in complex with cAMP, which is an agonist, is in a more open conformation. We observe that the CNBD makes an outward swinging movement, which is accompanied by an opening of the C-linker. This conformation mirrors the open gate structures of the K_v1.2 channel or MthK channel, which suggests that the cAMP-bound C-linker/CNBD from SthK represents an activated conformation. These results provide a structural framework for better understanding cyclic nucleotide modulation of ion channels, including HCN and CNG channels.     

Structural basis for HNF-4alpha activation by ligand and coactivator binding

In addition to suggesting that fatty acids are endogenous ligands, our recent crystal structure of HNF-4alpha showed an unusual degree of structural flexibility in the AF-2 domain (helix alpha12). Although every molecule contained a fatty acid within its ligand binding domain, one molecule in each homodimer was in an open inactive conformation with alpha12 fully extended and colinear with alpha10. By contrast, the second molecule in each homodimer was in a closed conformation with alpha12 folded against the body of the domain in what is widely considered to be the active state. This indicates that although ligand binding is necessary, it is not sufficient to induce an activating structural transition in HNF-4alpha as is commonly suggested to occur for nuclear receptors. To further assess potential mechanisms of activation, we have solved a structure of human HNF-4alpha bound to both fatty acid ligand and a coactivator sequence derived from SRC-1. The mode of coactivator binding is similar to that observed for other nuclear receptors, and in this case, all of the molecules adopt the closed active conformation. We conclude that for HNF-4alpha, coactivator rather than ligand binding locks the active conformation.     

X-Ray Structures of the LXRα LBD in Its Homodimeric Form and Implications for Heterodimer Signaling

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that are central regulators of cholesterol homeostasis, and synthetic LXR agonists have shown promise as promoters of reverse cholesterol transport and anti-inflammatory agents. Here, we present three X-ray structures of three different agonists bound to the ligand binding domain of LXRα. These compounds are GW3965, F₃methylAA, and a benzisoxazole urea, and we show that these diverse chemical scaffolds address common structural themes, leading to high binding affinity for LXR. Our structures show the LXRα ligand binding domain in its homodimeric form, an arrangement previously thought to be stereochemically difficult. A comparison with existing structures of the LXRβ homodimer and LXRα:RXR (retinoid X receptor) heterodimers explains differences in dimer affinity and leads us to propose a model for allosteric activation in nuclear receptor dimers, in which an unactivated RXR partner provides an inhibitory tail wrap to the cofactor binding pocket of LXR.     

Adaptability of the Vitamin D nuclear receptor to the synthetic ligand Gemini: remodelling the LBP with one side chain rotation

The crystal structure of the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the wild-type Vitamin D receptor (VDR) of zebrafish bound to Gemini, a synthetic agonist ligand with two identical side chains branching at carbon 20 reveals a ligand-dependent structural rearrangement of the ligand binding pocket (LBP). The rotation of a Leu side chain opens the access to a channel that can accommodate the second side chain of the ligand. The 25% increase of the LBP's volume does not alter the essential agonist features of VDR. The possibility to adapt the LBP to novel ligands with different chemistry and/or structure opens new perspectives in the design of more specifically targeted ligands.     

Structural basis of ligand activation in a cyclic nucleotide regulated potassium channel

Here we describe the initial functional characterization of a cyclic nucleotide regulated ion channel from the bacterium Mesorhizobium loti and present two structures of its cyclic nucleotide binding domain, with and without cAMP. The domains are organized as dimers with the interface formed by the linker regions that connect the nucleotide binding pocket to the pore domain. Together, structural and functional data suggest the domains form two dimers on the cytoplasmic face of the channel. We propose a model for gating in which ligand binding alters the structural relationship within a dimer, directly affecting the position of the adjacent transmembrane helices.     

A novel dimerization interface of cyclic nucleotide binding domain, which is disrupted in presence of cAMP: implications for CNG channels gating

Cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) is a ubiquitous domain of effector proteins involved in signalling cascades of prokaryota and eukaryota. CNBD activation by cyclic nucleotide monophosphate (cNMP) is studied well in the case of several proteins. However, this knowledge is hardly applicable to cNMP-modulated cation channels. Despite the availability of CNBD crystal structures of bacterial cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and mammalian hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-modulated (HCN) channels in presence and absence of the cNMP, the full understanding of CNBD conformational changes during activation is lacking. Here, we describe a novel CNBD dimerization interface found in crystal structures of bacterial CNG channel MlotiK1 and mammalian cAMP-activated guanine nucleotide-exchange factor Epac2. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the found interface is stable on the studied timescale of 100?ns, in contrast to the dimerization interface, reported previously. Comparisons with cN-bound structures of CNBD show that the dimerization is incompatible with cAMP binding. Thus, the cAMP-dependent monomerization of CNBD may be an alternative mechanism of the cAMP sensing. Based on these findings, we propose a model of the bacterial CNG channel modulation by cAMP.     

Determinants for the Activation and Autoinhibition of the Diguanylate Cyclase Response Regulator WspR

The bacterial second messenger bis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) controls secretion, cell adhesion, and motility, leading to biofilm formation and increased cytotoxicity. Diguanylate cyclases containing GGDEF and phosphodiesterases containing EAL or HD-GYP domains have been identified as the enzymes controlling cellular c-di-GMP levels, yet less is known regarding the molecular mechanisms governing regulation and signaling specificity. We recently determined a product-inhibition pathway for the diguanylate cyclase response regulator WspR from Pseudomonas, a potent molecular switch that controls biofilm formation. In WspR, catalytic activity is modulated by a helical stalk motif that connects its phospho-receiver and GGDEF domains. The stalks facilitate the formation of distinct oligomeric states that contribute to both activation and autoinhibition. Here, we provide novel insights into the regulation of diguanylate cyclase activity in WspR based on the crystal structures of full-length WspR, the isolated GGDEF domain, and an artificially dimerized catalytic domain. The structures highlight that inhibition is achieved by restricting the mobility of rigid GGDEF domains, mediated by c-di-GMP binding to an inhibitory site at the GGDEF domain. Kinetic measurements and biochemical characterization corroborate a model in which the activation of WspR requires the formation of a tetrameric species. Tetramerization occurs spontaneously at high protein concentration or upon addition of the phosphomimetic compound beryllium fluoride. Our analyses elucidate common and WspR-specific mechanisms for the fine-tuning of diguanylate cyclase activity.     

Galanthamine and non-competitive inhibitor binding to ACh-binding protein: evidence for a binding site on non-alpha-subunit interfaces of heteromeric neuronal nicotinic receptors

Rapid neurotransmission is mediated through a superfamily of Cys-loop receptors that includes the nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A)), serotonin (5-HT(3)) and glycine receptors. A class of ligands, including galanthamine, local anesthetics and certain toxins, interact with nAChRs non-competitively. Suggested modes of action include blockade of the ion channel, modulation from undefined extracellular sites, stabilization of desensitized states, and association with annular or boundary lipid. Alignment of mammalian Cys-loop receptors shows aromatic residues, found in the acetylcholine or ligand-binding pocket of nAChRs, are conserved in all subunit interfaces of neuronal nAChRs, including those that are not formed by alpha subunits on the principal side of the transmitter binding site. The amino-terminal domain containing the ligand recognition site is homologous to the soluble acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP) from mollusks, an established structural and functional surrogate. We assess ligand specificity and employ X-ray crystallography with AChBP to demonstrate ligand interactions at subunit interfaces lacking vicinal cysteines (i.e. the non-alpha subunit interfaces in nAChRs). Non-competitive nicotinic ligands bind AChBP with high affinity (K(d) 0.015-6 microM). We mutated the vicinal cysteine residues in loop C of AChBP to mimic the non-alpha subunit interfaces of neuronal nAChRs and other Cys loop receptors. Classical nicotinic agonists show a 10-40-fold reduction in binding affinity, whereas binding of ligands known to be non-competitive are not affected. X-ray structures of cocaine and galanthamine bound to AChBP (1.8 A and 2.9 A resolution, respectively) reveal interactions deep within the subunit interface and the absence of a contact surface with the tip of loop C. Hence, in addition to channel blocking, non-competitive interactions with heteromeric neuronal nAChR appear to occur at the non-alpha subunit interface, a site presumed to be similar to that of modulating benzodiazepines on GABA(A) receptors.     

Nucleotide-dependent displacement and dynamics of the α-1 helix in kinesin revealed by site-directed spin labeling EPR

In kinesin X-ray crystal structures, the N-terminal region of the α-1 helix is adjacent to the adenine ring of the bound nucleotide, while the C-terminal region of the helix is near the neck-linker (NL). Here, we monitor the displacement of the α-1 helix within a kinesin monomer bound to microtubules (MTs) in the presence or absence of nucleotides using site-directed spin labeling EPR. Kinesin was doubly spin-labeled at the α-1 and α-2 helices, and the resulting EPR spectrum showed dipolar broadening. The inter-helix distance distribution showed that 20% of the spins have a peak characteristic of 1.4–1.7 nm separation, which is similar to what is predicted from the X-ray crystal structure, albeit 80% were beyond the sensitivity limit (>2.5 nm) of the method. Upon MT binding, the fraction of kinesin exhibiting an inter-helix distance of 1.4–1.7 nm in the presence of AMPPNP (a non-hydrolysable ATP analog) and ADP was 20% and 25%, respectively. In the absence of nucleotide, this fraction increased to 40–50%. These nucleotide-induced changes in the fraction of kinesin undergoing displacement of the α-1 helix were found to be related to the fraction in which the NL undocked from the motor core. It is therefore suggested that a shift in the α-1 helix conformational equilibrium occurs upon nucleotide binding and release, and this shift controls NL docking onto the motor core.